Australian Space Agency Partnering with Australian Companies to Boost Economy

The Australian Space Agency has taken another big leap forward, signing a statement of strategic intent and cooperation with natural gas company Woodside, which will see space sector research translated into commercial opportunities for the industry.

Woodside’s CEO, Peter Coleman, said the agreement would “accelerate the development of technologies that allow us to safely and efficiently manage assets in remote and harsh environments”. Its anticipated the agreement will build on the company’s work on remote sensors and data analytics and its work with NASA robots.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Karen Andrews, said the signing shows the space industry can enhance the capability of many other Australian industries.

“The Agency’s purpose is to transform and grow a globally respected Australian space industry that lifts the broader economy and inspires and improves the lives of all Australians,” Minister Andrews said.

The natural gas industry in Australia is one of the most technologically advanced in Australia and is geared toward employing future workers in technical, interesting work, making it the logical partner for Australia’s burgeoning space industry.

The space agency, headquartered in Adelaide, is set to triple the size of Australia’s space economy to $12 billion.